Stoma Cover Necklace

I had an order for the filigree butterfly stoma cover...and after discussing the length, I decided to make it up with a doubled aqua satin cord, with a chain extender to adjust the length if needed.

Here's a picture...these are custom made of course. This example would be $15.

This is the link to my website, showing the stoma covers that are currently available. You will find a section called Stoma Covers in the left hand column.

In The Spotlight on Ruby Lane...OMG!!

I can't believe it! I set up my shop on Ruby Lane back in August, and am really enjoying it there.

Last Thursday, I received an email from Ruby Lane, a newsletter that I had subscribed to, which is mailed out to thousands of others around the world.

Imagine my utter astonishment when I scrolled through the newsletter to find out that I had been chosen to be in their "Artisan Spotlight"!!!! Breathless and heart racing, I emailed a friend, Nathalie Girard, of Wire and Beads Creation, to see if her newsletter confirmed this. ...and it did!

Here's the link, I'm very proud to have been chosen for this month's newsletter!!

http://owners.rubylane.com/court/nlarticle/,article=nl20080922.html

Both of the jewellery pieces shown in the article sold that day!!

I'd love it if you would check out my shop!

Knitting With Wire

Here's a picture of a copper cuff bracelet I made a while ago.

I used 28 gauge copper wire, and tiny steel knitting needles...a little at a time because my fingers got so sore from pulling on the wire to get the tension even. This cuff took me a long time to make!

Because the edges were a little uneven, and to give the cuff more strength, I made copper sheet edging, folded over, and hand-riveted, then formed on my bracelet mandrel.

I then embellished the copper knitting with turquoise seedbeads...overall a pleasing effect I think.

Would I do it again? Hmmmm.....I'll have to consult my fingers, LOL.

Stoma Covers for Throat Cancer Survivors

As a jewellery designer and dentist who's primary focus is Head & Neck Cancer patients, I recognize that there is a need for people who have had a laryngectomy, or who have a tracheostomy stoma, to be able to have a decorative covering for their stoma.

These vintage filligree silver-plated stampings are available in a variety of shapes and styles, all measuring between 1 1/4" and 2" in diameter.

As these are custom made necklaces, I can use wire, beading, or organza ribbons to accent the filligree focal piece.

Sizing and colour choices are also custom chosen.

Please contact me for more information. There is a section in the left hand column for Stoma Covers.

Happy Labour Day!

Well, it's September 1st and although it's shaping up to be a nice weather day here, fall is definitely in the air, and thoughts turn to children returning to school. We have 3 of 4 returning to school this fall: 1 starting Dental Hygiene, 1 starting Gr. 12, and our youngest starting Gr. 9.

Do you remember your anxiety and excitement starting Secondary School? I sure do...a whole new chapter of life starts, everything is possible!

Fall also brings thoughts of the Harvest and the bounty that comes from local gardens. I'm trying to buy much more produce that's grown locally, to reduce our ecological "foodprint"...also reusable bags for groceries, get rid of the plastic!

Now that I'm bringing my own bags for groceries, I'm looking for more ways to reduce the packaging that comes home with me.

There are lots of Etsy sellers making reusable, lightweight bags for carrying produce...great idea to eliminate those little plastic bags that hang in the produce section.

Here's a Canadian seller, ficklefaerie, who has great mesh bags with drawstrings. Mesh so the cashier can see what's inside, and lightweight so it doesn't add to the cost.

Are there other ways you can come up with to reduce the non-recyclable packaging that plagues us? I'd be happy to post these good ideas, with a link to your shop, here on my blog!